Car Show
Ford car show was back in Orcutt. It has raised more than $100K for students

Revving Up for Scholarships: The Iconic All Ford Car Show Fuels Allan Hancock College's Industrial Tech Dreams

On a picture-perfect day, the Central Coast came alive with a celebration of automotive excellence and community spirit. At the heart of this vibrant event was the All Ford Car Show in Orcutt, hosted by the Santa Maria Model A Ford Club, marking its 22nd year of supporting the industrial technology program at Allan Hancock College.

Driving Passion, Fueling Futures

A Showcase of Ford's Finest

The All Ford Car Show in Orcutt has become a must-attend event for Ford enthusiasts across the region. This year's edition was no exception, as car owners and spectators alike were treated to a dazzling display of meticulously restored and customized Mustangs, Thunderbirds, and other iconic Ford models. The sheer variety and quality of the vehicles on display left attendees in awe, with one Pismo Beach resident, Wayne Kenitz, remarking, "This is the biggest collection of Mustangs [I've] ever seen."

Scholarships Fueling Student Success

But the true heart of the event lies in its mission to support the next generation of industrial technology professionals. Over the past 22 years, the Santa Maria Model A Ford Club has raised over $100,000 in scholarships for students enrolled in Allan Hancock College's industrial technology program. These scholarships have helped countless students pursue their dreams and launch successful careers in their chosen fields.

A Community Effort

The All Ford Car Show is more than just a showcase of automotive excellence; it's a testament to the power of community collaboration. The event is organized by the dedicated members of the Santa Maria Model A Ford Club, who work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the show runs smoothly. "This event is a great opportunity to come together and give back to our community, and we look forward to hosting it every year," said Jay McCord, a Model A Ford Club member and car show chairman.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The impact of the scholarships extends far beyond the immediate recipients. Many of the students who have benefited from the program have gone on to establish successful careers in their respective industries, serving as inspiring role models for the next generation of industrial technology professionals. "Many of the students that received past scholarships now have successful careers in their industry," noted McCord, underscoring the lasting impact of the club's efforts.

A Celebration of Automotive Passion and Community Spirit

The All Ford Car Show in Orcutt is more than just a car show; it's a celebration of the enduring passion for Ford vehicles and the unwavering commitment to supporting the next generation of industrial technology leaders. As the event continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of community, the transformative impact of education, and the enduring legacy of the Ford brand.
Car Restoration SHow returns to St. Peter

Revving Up Nostalgia: The Annual Auto Restorers Car Club Extravaganza

For nearly half a century, the Auto Restorers Car Club of Southern Minnesota has been captivating audiences with its annual showcase of automotive history and live entertainment. This beloved event, now in its 47th year, has become a cherished tradition, drawing enthusiasts from across the region to the Nicollet County Fairgrounds.

Unleashing the Power of Automotive Passion

A Celebration of Automotive Heritage

The Auto Restorers Car Club's annual event is more than just a car show; it's a celebration of the rich automotive heritage that has shaped the region. Visitors are treated to a dazzling display of over 300 meticulously restored and preserved vehicles, each a testament to the passion and dedication of their owners. From classic muscle cars to vintage roadsters, the fairgrounds come alive with the roar of engines and the gleam of chrome, transporting attendees back in time.The event's organizers, led by Chris Just, have worked tirelessly to ensure that the show caters to enthusiasts from all walks of life. "A lot of them are just southern Minnesota people that come in from the surrounding towns around St. Peter," Just explains. "We of course do have our locals from Mankato, from St. Peter, but folks are coming from out of the Twin Cities as well, so we draw from all over. Pretty much the central to the southern half of the state."

A Multifaceted Automotive Extravaganza

The Auto Restorers Car Club's annual event is more than just a static display of automobiles. Visitors are treated to a multifaceted experience that caters to a wide range of interests. In addition to the impressive car show, the fairgrounds also host a motorcycle show and a bustling swap meet, where enthusiasts can browse and purchase rare parts and accessories.The event's organizers have also made sure to include live music, adding to the festive atmosphere and creating a truly immersive experience for attendees. "If you're not getting this form of entertainment, car shows out in the rural areas for example and you want to see a bunch of cars at the same time versus just a small roll-in, which are great as well, but if you're looking for a big car show this is it," Just enthuses.

Giving Back to the Community

The Auto Restorers Car Club is a non-profit organization, and the funds raised from the annual event are donated to local charities. This philanthropic approach has endeared the event to the community, as attendees can enjoy the festivities while knowing that their participation is contributing to a greater good."The car club is a nonprofit, and all funds raised from the show go to local charities, which change every year," Just explains. "Regulars to the show said that it's an experience that can't be found anywhere else in southern Minnesota."

A Timeless Tradition Continues

The Auto Restorers Car Club's annual event has become a cherished tradition in the region, drawing enthusiasts from near and far to celebrate the rich automotive heritage that has shaped the area. With its impressive display of classic cars, diverse range of activities, and commitment to giving back to the community, the event has become a must-attend destination for anyone with a passion for automotive history and culture.As the event continues to evolve and grow, the organizers remain dedicated to preserving the spirit of the past while embracing the future. The roar of engines and the gleam of chrome will continue to captivate audiences for years to come, ensuring that the legacy of the Auto Restorers Car Club lives on.
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Using AI to predict car repair costs

Unlocking the Mysteries of Car Maintenance: Carly's AI-Powered Solution

Most car owners are not mechanically inclined, and modern vehicles have become increasingly complex. When something goes wrong, the fear of being overcharged by a dealership or garage can be overwhelming. However, a company called Carly is aiming to demystify car maintenance by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and a global community of car owners.

Empowering Car Owners with Data-Driven Insights

Bridging the Gap Between Drivers and Mechanics

The story of Carly's inception is a testament to the frustrations many car owners face. When the company's German founder, Avid Avini, was quoted €12,000 for a gearbox replacement on his BMW, he refused to believe the exorbitant cost. Determined to find a more affordable solution, he purchased a cheap garage scanner and discovered that the issue was a mere €80 part that required minimal labor to fix.This experience inspired Avini to create Carly, a company that has been providing car owners with tools to access their vehicles' diagnostic systems for over a decade. Now, the company has taken its mission a step further by launching an AI-powered tool called Carly Repair Costs, which aims to help car owners diagnose and understand the potential issues with their vehicles.

Harnessing the Power of AI and Big Data

The Carly Repair Costs tool works by allowing users to input details about their car, such as the make, model, fuel type, year of manufacture, and current mileage. They can then select from a list of symptoms they are experiencing with their vehicle. The AI-powered system then analyzes a database of more than 60 million vehicle fault records to identify the most likely issues.This vast database of real-world data is a significant advantage, as it allows the AI to provide car owners with estimated repair costs, including labor and parts, as well as a risk assessment for each potential fault. The system also categorizes the issues as moderate, high, or critical, helping users prioritize the necessary repairs.

Fostering a Global Community of Car Owners

In addition to the AI-powered diagnostics, Carly's platform also includes a global forum where car owners can share and receive advice from a community of like-minded individuals. The system even includes AI-powered translation, allowing for seamless communication across language barriers.This community-driven approach not only provides car owners with additional support and guidance but also helps to further enhance the AI's capabilities. As more users contribute their experiences and feedback, the system can continue to learn and improve its accuracy in diagnosing and estimating repair costs.

Promoting Transparency and Education

One of the key benefits of the Carly Repair Costs tool is its ability to provide car owners with transparent, data-backed estimates for potential repairs. This helps to reduce the likelihood of being overcharged by a garage or dealership, as users can compare the provided estimates to any quotes they receive.Moreover, the tool also aims to educate car owners by explaining the predicted faults and the procedures involved in each potential repair. This empowers users to make informed decisions about their vehicle maintenance, allowing them to plan and budget for the most critical repairs.

The Future of Car Maintenance: AI-Driven Efficiency

Carly's AI-powered tool is a prime example of how artificial intelligence is transforming the automotive industry. By drawing on a vast database of vehicle fault records, the system can analyze and identify potential issues with a level of speed and accuracy that would be virtually impossible for a team of human researchers.This technology has the potential to benefit not only car owners but also garages and mechanics. By providing them with solid information about the most likely issues based on the reported symptoms and the car's age and mileage, the Carly system can help reduce diagnosis time and ensure that the right repairs are addressed from the outset.As this technology continues to evolve and more data is added to the Carly database, the system's accuracy and usefulness are likely to improve even further. This could lead to a significant reduction in maintenance costs for millions of car owners around the world, empowering them to take control of their vehicle's health and avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous service providers.
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